Assistant Controller

Assistant ControllerLocation: Brea, CAEmployment Type: Full-Time, Direct HireSalary Range: $140,000–$160,000 per yearIndustry: Aerospace & Defense ManufacturingAbout the CompanyOur client is a leading aerospace and defense manufacturer specializing in highly engineered products and systems. The company is part of a well-established manufacturing group serving demanding industrial and defense markets.Position OverviewThe Assistant Controller will serve as the right hand to the Vice President of Finance and lead the day-to-day accounting function. This is a hands-on leadership role responsible for financial reporting, month-end close, standard cost accounting, internal controls, budgeting, forecasting, and operational financial analysis.The ideal candidate will have strong manufacturing accounting experience, a solid understanding of standard costing, and the ability to partner with finance and operations leadership to improve financial performance, strengthen controls, and drive process improvements.Key ResponsibilitiesFinancial Close & Reporting: Lead the full month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close processes, including journal entries, account reconciliations, accruals, and financial reporting.Cost Accounting: Manage standard costing, annual cost rolls, bills of materials (BOMs), SKU costing, and manufacturing cost accuracy.Variance Analysis: Analyze purchase price variances (PPV), labor and overhead variances, product margins, and manufacturing cost drivers.Inventory Management: Oversee inventory valuation, physical inventory and cycle counts, reserves, and general ledger reconciliations.Internal Controls & Compliance: Maintain a SOX-compliant internal control environment, support audits, ensure segregation of duties, and address control deficiencies.Budgeting & Forecasting: Support annual budgets, financial forecasts, pricing analysis, and proposal-related financial activities.Operations Partnership: Work closely with plant operations and business unit leaders to identify cost-saving opportunities, improve productivity, and support business decisions.Team Leadership: Supervise, mentor, and develop accounting team members while establishing strong processes and accountability.Process Improvement & Automation: Identify opportunities to streamline accounting processes, reduce manual work, improve reporting efficiency, and leverage automation and AI tools.Capital Investment Analysis: Evaluate capital expenditure proposals, assess ROI and productivity assumptions, and review actual results against projected benefits.Audit Management: Coordinate internal and external audits and ensure timely resolution of findings.Management Reporting: Prepare financial analyses, explain performance trends, and communicate actionable insights to leadership.Required QualificationsBachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.At least 5 years of experience in cost accounting, accounting systems, and financial analysis within a manufacturing environment using standard costing.Demonstrated experience managing the full financial close process and preparing financial reports.Strong technical knowledge of US GAAP and manufacturing accounting principles.Hands-on experience establishing, documenting, and maintaining SOX-compliant internal controls.Prior supervisory or team leadership experience, including developing accounting professionals.Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including financial analysis, modeling, and reporting.Strong analytical, organizational, problem-solving, and communication skills.Ability to collaborate effectively with finance, operations, and cross-functional leadership teams.Preferred QualificationsExperience in aerospace, defense, automotive, or another complex manufacturing environment.Familiarity with government contracting regulations, including FAR, DFARS, TINA, and CAS.California CPA license and/or MBA.Experience implementing accounting automation, process improvements, or AI-enabled solutions.What Makes This Opportunity Attractive?Competitive annual salary of $140,000–$160,000.Direct leadership exposure and partnership with the VP of Finance.Opportunity to influence manufacturing costs, operational performance, and financial decision-making.Hands-on ownership of the accounting function in a complex manufacturing environment.Opportunity to drive process improvements, automation, and team development.Ideal Candidate Profile: An experienced manufacturing accounting professional with strong standard cost accounting, full-cycle close, SOX controls, inventory, and team leadership experience. Candidates from aerospace, defense, automotive, and other complex manufacturing industries are strongly preferred.